The controversial former cabinet member for transport management oversaw the introduction of the heavily debated zero-emission zones and the temporary Oxford congestion charge, set to become traffic filters in August when the Botley Road reopens.

Mr Gant has been hit with personal attacks on social media throughout his time in office, including upon his departure.

These have been criticised even by those who do not necessarily align with him politically, with county councillor Andrew Coles (Labour) calling out a “nasty and negative video” shared by a local political party after Mr Gant’s leaving announcement.

Mr Gant, who remains a Liberal Democrat county and city councillor, said the “abuse” was “not reasonable in a democracy”, adding “it’s unpleasant, it’s unnecessary, it’s unhelpful and I wish it didn’t happen”.

He said: “You have to develop strategies as an individual, and mine is just not to read them.

“I don’t engage with social media at all, I just don’t, that’s been my strategy – and it’s worked.”

Councillor Andrew Gant (Image: Esme Kenney)

He stated that the personal hate “makes no contribution of any kind to the policy” adding, “if those people think that they’re somehow affecting the debate, they’re not”.

Asked if this had an impact on his choice to step away from the role, he said it had, explaining, “it’s a very demanding role for all sorts of reasons, and that is one of the things that makes it demanding, so yes, in a word”.

Mr Gant also thinks the issue of online abuse is getting worse, but it was not the only difficulty he faced in the job.

He called the situation with the ongoing closure of Botley Road for the train station project “a total headache,” saying Network Rail and the minister for transport had “taken on the chin that that was their fault”.

Roadworks in Botley Road (Image: Network Rail)

He said working with central government was the hardest thing he had to deal with, referencing confusion and uncertainty with local government reorganisation as an example.

On the flipside, Mr Gant’s highlight is “seeing the electric buses on our streets”.

Mr Gant believes “they’re a wonderful addition”, but noted that he does not think they could have happened without the congestion charge.

He said: “There are too many demands on Oxford roads, there’s too much traffic on Oxford roads.

“There was before the congestion charge, and there is now and, the county council needs to continue to work on that in a huge variety of different ways, but the benefits that it has brought are significant and will stay, and that’s right.”

He said he has no regrets about the charge, noting that it was not designed “to solve everything”.

Kamil Idris is due to speak at the union today to discuss the responsibilities of leadership during times of crisis, and the importance of international cooperation in building peace and recovery in Sudan.

Mr Idris assumed office last May amid a devastating civil war in Sudan.

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The invitation has drawn sharp criticism from some Sudanese activists and citizens.

They expressed concern that the high-profile appearance could serve to legitimise military-backed rule and prolong the conflict that has gripped the nation.

Bashir Ahmed, former chairman of the Sudanese community in Oxford, said: “The invitation extended to Dr. Kamel Idris by a respected organisation such as the Oxford Union amounts to normalising war crimes and granting legitimacy to Sudan’s de facto government, despite its commission of all these crimes—including murder, displacement, and rape.

“The invitation to Kamel has led the media of Sudan’s ruling regime to celebrate it as a resounding victory. 

“The war in Sudan has entered its fourth year, and the numbers of the dead and those who have fled their homes are staggering, we are talking about millions. 

“Therefore, an invitation from a respected organisation like the Oxford Union ultimately benefits the murderous regime in Sudan.”

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Activist Bashir Ahmed (Image: Contributed)

The Oxford Union’s literature characterised the current administration as a “government of hope” tasked with maintaining essential services and managing a fragile transition.

It noted that the government operates under intense international and regional oversight during the civil war.

Mr Ahmed said: “I fully respect the Oxford Union’s long tradition of open discussion and engagement with controversial political figures.

“But for those directly affected, offering such a prestigious platform with high profile officials sends a deeply troubling message.”

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris serves as a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, whose military operations have been marked by the use of violence against civilians, contributing to the conflict, and advancing Islamist ideology.

The Brotherhood has been involved in the political and ideological control of Sudan, and has consistently rejected ceasefire negotiations.

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In April Labour MP Anneliese Dodds urged Sir Keir Starmer to prioritise Sudan in his international engagements. (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Mr Ahmed continued said: “Across Sudan, survivors and victims continue to demand justice for atrocities, including mass killings and sexual violence.

“For Sudanese communities watching from abroad, and for those still trapped inside Sudan, this event is not seen as a neutral academic discussion. It is experienced as a painful political signal during a moment of immense national tragedy.

“We hope that British institutions with such global influence will stand clearly on the side of those principles.”

Rapper Tinie Tempah, TV personality Abby Lee Miller, Reform MP Matt Goodwin, and former Israeli politician are all set to speak at the Oxford Union this university term.

Oxford Union has been contacted for comment.

Alexandra House of Joy was founded in 2018 by husband and wife, Ian and Rachel Scott-Hunter to build the site on Middle Wretchwick Farm in Bicester.

The centre was Alexandra’s dream and will support and care for young and old adults with profound learning disabilities and their primary care givers.

Alexandra died of sepsis in 2018 (Image: Contributed)

Rachel said: “This is a legacy to our very brave and inspirational daughter. If we walked away, it would dishonour all that she went through.

“We know first-hand what families like ours are facing – the worry, fear, stress, isolation and loneliness, day and night, year after year.

“Love drives us, but love shouldn’t mean having to struggle without support.”

Ian and Rachel Scott-Hunter has raised almost £1m in several years (Image: Contributed)

Alexandra, who was born at St David’s Hospital in Bangor, North Wales, suffered a brain haemorrhage four days after birth. This confined her to a life in a wheelchair where she was totally dependent on others. She died of sepsis in 2019.

From 1991, when Alexandra entered adult social care, the couple say they saw “how fragile and unfair the system could be” and now warn of a “shocking and disgraceful” erosion of adult social care.

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“We were heard, marginalised, excluded, ignored and utterly disrespected,” the co-founder said, “No-one was doing anything so we had to bring change.

“As services have disappeared, many are facing exhaustion, isolation and heartbreak alone.

“Families caring for people with profound learning disabilities in our community are being left behind.”

Despite this, the couple has raised £982,434 over the last eight years and are now only £17,565 off their £1m goal which will secure the start of the three-phase building project.

When the doors finally open, Rachel hopes her daughter’s legacy will be one “of love, courage and quiet strength.”

She said: “Our centre will offer care, hope and relief for people. People with profound learning disabilities will be valued and family caregivers will know they are not alone.”

Phase one, which aims to break the ground by early 2027, will see the construction of a four-bed purpose-built centre to support up to 25 families a month.

Phase two would add more bedrooms, extra activity rooms and a hydrotherapy pool, while phase three would see the creation of a small hospice service with two beds, a family lounge and relatives’ apartment.

Ian and Rachel Scott-Hunter with Bicester MP Calum Miller in December 2025 (Image: Contributed)

The charity has been supported by local businesses and organisations, including Bicester Motion, Bicester Village and Bicester Tesco, who have hosted fundraising events over the years.

A fundraising tandem skydive will take place at Brackley Airfield in July and MP Calum Miller, the charity’s ambassador, will be joining supporters to climb Snowdon in September 2026 to raise funds.